Used Compressor

The Three Types of Compressors on a Construction Machine - Professional Overview

Before ordering, it is crucial to identify the exact type of compressor you need. In construction equipment, three distinct components share the name "compressor" but serve very different functions.

The air conditioning compressor
This is the most commonly requested component. It compresses the refrigerant in the AC circuit and enables the flow of cool air into the cabin. It is belt-driven from the engine and controlled by an electromagnetic clutch — the magnetic pulley. Its failure manifests as no fresh air or a cabin that fails to cool, regardless of the controls.

The air compressor
It supplies compressed air circuits on certain construction machines: air brakes, clutch control, gear shifting on manual transmissions. Its failure can directly impact the machine's safety — less effective braking, slow or missing pneumatic controls.

The volumetric compressor
Distinct from the turbocharger, it is driven directly by the engine via a belt or chain. It compresses intake air to inject into cylinders, delivering high torque at low RPM. Less common than turbochargers on modern machines, it still equips certain Caterpillar models and others.

Signs of Compressor Failure on Your Construction Equipment

Recognizing the correct symptom helps quickly pinpoint the faulty part without unnecessary diagnostics.

Failing air conditioning compressor:

• No fresh air in the cabin despite the system running
• Blown air is lukewarm or hot regardless of control settings
• Unusual noise — clicking or squeaking — when the air conditioning engages
• Magnetic pulley won’t engage or slips

Failing air compressor:

• Abnormally slow pressure build-up or insufficient pressure levels
• Audible air leaks in the circuit
• Reduced braking efficiency or delayed pneumatic control response
• Abnormal pumping noise when engine speed increases

Failing volumetric compressor:

• Loss of engine power, especially at low RPM
• Increased fuel consumption without obvious mechanical cause
• Abnormal mechanical noise in the engine compartment, near the timing side

Used Compressors: Brands Available in Our Stock

Our stock includes major construction equipment brands commonly found on French and European sites. The most represented brands in our compressor references are:

• Caterpillar — the most represented brand in our dismantling yard. Air conditioning compressors available for tracked excavators (series 320, 330, 349), wheeled loaders, and CAT bulldozers.
• Liebherr — compressors for wheeled excavators of the A series and L-series loaders equipped with air-conditioned cabins.
• Volvo — references for EC excavators and L loaders regularly in stock.
• JCB — compressors for 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders and wheeled excavators.
• Hyundai — references for tracked and wheeled excavators.
• Doosan — for tracked and wheeled excavators.
• Mecalac, Poclain, Fiat Allis, Furukawa — depending on dismantling arrivals. Contact our team to check availability for your exact model.

Your brand or model isn't listed? Our physical stock always exceeds our online catalog. Use the inquiry form or call us directly.

Air Conditioning Compressor: Related Parts to Check Simultaneously

When replacing an air conditioning compressor, the entire circuit should be inspected. Replacing only the compressor without checking adjacent components can lead to a quick recurrence.

• The AC radiator (condenser): if clogged or cracked, the circuit no longer dissipates heat properly, overloading the new compressor
• The dehydrator filter: must be replaced every time the refrigeration circuit is opened, regardless of its age
• Hoses and seals: an untreated refrigerant leak is often the root cause of compressor failure due to internal lack of lubrication
• The drive belt: if the compressor seizes, the belt must be replaced immediately — see our transmission catalog
• The alternator: driven by the same belt on many machines, its condition should be checked during any grouped replacement